Thursday, April 18, 2013

I was home relaxing yesterday evening (still trying to take it easy from the last few sleepless nights), when soon enough I found myself happily sucked into an Urban Outfitters' rabbit hole. It all started with that Glass Confetti Knob above. I saw it and immediately started picturing it on a little dresser rehab or bathroom towel hook project. Basically, from there it was history. I have to say, Urban Outfitters really does have some good, affordable finds, especially in the sale section. Anyway, I came across so many things that I want, but can't have. I felt the only way to satisfy my consumerist desires was to share these little gems with you. You'll probably notice a color trend. I'm really into the breezy summer hues these days. Aren't you?!

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

I'm completely exhausted today as I've been spending my nights for the past few days making a short film called, The Clean-Up, with a great cast and crew. We've been working 6:30pm-6:30am every night; a bit tough on the constitution! Nevertheless, it has been a blast and I'm really proud of all the work everyone has done to put this awesome project together. We wrapped this morning at 7am. Success! I'd love to elaborate more on the subject, but I am seriously tuckered out. The reverse schedule has my body all kinds of confused. In fact, I joked with my mom that it was as though we had all flown to Hong Kong to make this film, only without the 12 hour plane ride. Yeah, yeah. I'm a riot. Haha.Before I sign off, there is one more huge piece of news: Today I've made my debut as a credited-singer-songwriter on the soundtrack album, Postales. The record officially dropped on the label, Colemine Records today! While I've been doing session recording for years now, from artists like Charles Bradley to Alicia Keys, this is the first time I am receiving songwriting credits, in addition to credit as a featured vocalist. So excited!!!

This project has been years in the making, but I truly think it was worth the wait. The trailer for Postales is above and you can hear our songs in the background. The trailer/film versions don't include my vocals, but if you buy the LP, you'll have all my songs plus all the other great tunes written by my Del-Reys bandmate, Mike Deller.Okay, I'm off to re-gather my wits. However, if you want any more info on either The Clean-Up, or Postales, check out my Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook page. I've been putting up stills and links to songs whenever possible. Hope you enjoy them!

Crew setting up the next shot while filming the dark comedy, The Clean-Up.

Friday, April 12, 2013

My boyfriend and I have started doing this thing we call Museum Thursdays. It's pretty much exactly what it sounds like; on Thursdays we take a little break and hit up one of New York's many, wonderful museums. We started this practice recently after realizing that despite having scores of beautiful art institutions at our fingertips, exhibits were coming and going right before our eyes and we were never making it to any of them. The conversation always went something like, Him: Oh, let's go see that Kandinsky exhibit at the Guggenheim before it disappears.Me: Definitely. Just tell me when.Him: Maybe sometime next week. This one is kind of crazy.Me: Good idea. Let's remember to do that....and, well, you know how this story ends.We've seen so many awesome exhibits this month alone. I highly recommend Inventing Abstraction at the MoMa. It was absolutely outstanding. We loved it so much that we actually went twice. Unfortunately, they didn't allow photos so I don't have any images available from that trip. However, it's up for a few more days, so if you can catch it this weekend, go before you kick yourself for missing yet another fantastic art experience!But about yesterday. Yesterday we went to the Brooklyn Museum to see Gravity and Grace: Works by El Anatsui.If you are new to El Anatsui's work as I was until a few months ago, this radio interview from the Leonard Lopate show is a great introduction. Of course, nothing compares to seeing his installations in the flesh. As I walked through the exhibit, I found myself marveling at the extraordinary textures, colors, and vision involved in his creations. With bottle caps and bits of discarded cans and metal he creates impressively large-scale works. I can't call them sculptures because to me they felt like experiences. My boyfriend can attest to the fact that by the time we left the exhibit, my frame of mind had changed and suddenly I was seeing my own life in a different way. Just take a look at the few photos I took.

These striking tapestry-like piece is made of flattened bottle caps. Can you believe the texture, color, and movement? My mediocre photography doesn't do it justice.

This snake-like piece I believe is called Pipe. It's made from condensed milk bottle caps. In my mind the caps took on the form of gold coins strung together, and that really got me thinking about the idea of illusion, reality, trade, market price, value, and culture.

There's so much more I'd love to get into discussing about El Anatsui and his artistic point of view which is rife with African cultural references, politics, ancestry, nature, movement, change, and humanity. However, I think it's best to let you experience El Anatsui for yourself so that you can draw your own personal inspirations. I certainly did.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Since the start of the new year, I've been workshopping an idea I came up with to unite two of my favorite past times: crafts and cocktails. My sister and friends have been my guinea pigs in trying out this concept I'm calling, CraftTails- a monthly craft and cocktail night. So far we've tackled dip-dyeing, paper flowers, and DIY Artwork to great success. And thanks to these fine ladies, I have finally decided to take a big step: take CraftTails to the public!Open-invitation Craft-Tails!Date: Thursday, May 9 from 7-10pmLocation: Greenpoint, BK*Theme: TBDMaterials Fee**: TBDMax Occupancy: 10RSVP: thecollectionaire at gmail dot com

* Exact address will be emailed with RSVP confirmation** A small materials fee will be required covering all supplies for your project. The exact amount will depend on the project selected. However, that will be posted here shortly, along with all other remaining details, including the theme for the May CraftTails project!

Okay, so not a lot of details to go on quite yet, but that will soon change! Like our logo (above) which is still very-much in progress, the specifics of May CraftTails still need fine tuning. However, I wanted to be able to announce this since many folks like to get their monthly calendar's set with ample lead time. I've got a few ideas for a good May project. I'm researching a few suppliers at the moment to see if we can get the materials affordably and have them available in time for the event. I promise to have answers on all the TBDs within the week.Oh, and don't you worry. Whatever crafting theme we go with, we will definitely have a tasty cocktail to match it.Hope to see you at the first CraftTails!!